''Pancratium illyricum'' is a species of bulbous plant native to

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and the

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. ''Pancratium illyricum'' grows on rocky slopes and sparse woodland areas, from sea level to more than 1300 m above sea level. It is a bulbous perennial with glaucous leaves, 30–60 cm long, 1½–½ cm wide. Leaves whither after flowering time, in early summer, and the plants goes dormant. The scape is up to 45 cm long, and the flowers are clustered in

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s of about 12, and are white with a short corona and very fragrant. Flowers appear in April to June.

Etymology

The

specific epithet In Taxonomy (biology), taxonomy, binomial nomenclature ("two-term naming system"), also called binary nomenclature, is a formal system of naming species of living things by giving each a name composed of two parts, both of which use Latin gramm ...

''illyricum'' means "from

Illyria In classical and late antiquity, Illyria (; , ''Illyría'' or , ''Illyrís''; , ''Illyricum'') was a region in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula inhabited by numerous tribes of people collectively known as the Illyrians. The Ancient Gree ...

", a region in the western

Balkans The Balkans ( , ), corresponding partially with the Balkan Peninsula, is a geographical area in southeastern Europe with various geographical and historical definitions. The region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains that stretch throug ...

. It is not well suited as the plant does not grow there. The Italian name is "giglio stella" = star lily.

Cultivation

Easy to grow and flowers freely if planted near a south facing wall. Slow to increase. It is the hardiest Pancratium - USDA zone 8 and probably 7 in sheltered position with a southern aspect. Full sun in cooler climates, otherwise light shade. Propagation by seeds or division. Pancratium illyricum JPG1

References

*Phillips. R. and Rix. M. (1989) ''Bulbs''. Pan Books * Polunin, Oleg (1987) ''Flowers of Greece and the Balkans - A Field Guide'' {{Taxonbar, from=Q1658951 illyricum Plants described in 1753 Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus Flora of Italy Flora of France Flora of Corsica Flora of Sardinia